Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation With Atrial Septostomy as a Bridge to Lung Transplantation

We report the first successful bridge to lung transplantation using venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) with an atrial septostomy for both pulmonary and right ventricular support. This strategy may provide an alternative to other forms of ECMO support as a bridge to lung transplantation, and potentially allow for ambulation and rehabilitation. (C) 2016 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons